So you have visited all of the Bali’s main attractions, tried surfing and still feel like something is missing? Are you searching for a hidden paradise in or around Bali where you can escape the hordes of tourists?

All you need to do is to board a ferry from Sanur or Padangbai, and you will be transported to the Nusa islands, off the coast of Bali’s main island. Part of Bali, the cluster of three Nusa islands consists of the larger Nusa Penida, and the smaller Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Lembongan.

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You will feel as though time has stopped here – how we imagine Bali to be years ago, before bustling tourism flocked to the island.

Although getting around may not be very easy, as the paths may be rocky and slippery, you will find Nature’s biggest wonders, and very often you may be completely alone. No need to stand in line to take a picture.

It’s time to step out of your comfort zone and explore the real Bali, untouched and unspoilt!

1 .Visit the Broken Sea: Pasih Uwug

Pasih Uwug, also known as the broken sea, is one unique attraction in Nusa Penida that happens to be a cool geological phenomenon.

Photo via Anandagotama

Why is it known as the broken sea? On first sight, you’ll see a natural arch created by the rock cliffs. The arch – or the hole in the rock cliff as some would say – actually used to be a cave!

The floor of the cave had collapsed, creating the arch we see today. The hole in the cliff has also allowed ocean waters to flow through – creating a gorgeous natural pool on the other side to marvel at, and even swim in!

2. Glide Across the Sea Between Cliffs: Abyss Zipline in Ceningan Island Resort

So you want to get a taste of the best thrills on the island? You can experience ‘gliding’, ‘sea’, ‘zipline’, and ‘cliffs’ all through one activity – The Abyss Zipline.

Photo via Kikhaarinda.foto

Nusa Ceningan and its sister, Nusa Lembongan, are famous for their cliffs and crashing waves. Imagine enjoying that spectacular scenery while gliding along a zipline. How cool is that!

Photo via Linafossaa

The staff will be on hand to ensure safety, and you will be attached to the line by two cables. But there’s always a little possibility of danger, of course. That’s why it’s a thrill ride!

Photo via Mchl_s

This place definitely takes zipline to a new level. Interested to try out this extreme flying fox?

Abyss Zipline in Ceningan Island Resort

Price:Rp.100,000 (USD $8) for foreigners, Rp.50,000 (USD $4) for locals. (There’s also a package that includes lunch and pickup transport.)Getting there: Nusa Ceningan is a separate island located south of Bali, next to Nusa Lembongan. The most common way to get to the island is to take a ferry from Sanur Beach or Benoa Harbor to Nusa Lembongan. Then, you need to rent a scooter (you can’t use a car) to cross the yellow bridge, before you arrive at Nusa Ceningan. Follow the sign to reach the resort. If you don’t ride, you can arrange for a pickup service.Contact: +62 361 765845

Located right smack on Nusa Penida and looking out at Atuh Beach – this beautiful treehouse is the latest unique addition to the island, providing stunning sights of the dramatic Balinese landscape.

Once you’re up in the treehouse and looking out, you’ll be able to see glorious, glorious sights. From the pretty Atuh Beach and small surrounding islands like Raja Ampat in Papua, to the many cliffs, ravines and hills that paint Bali’s landscape – it’s a sight not to miss!

Photo via mdbakta kardana

Thankfully, the treehouse was built with a ladder, so you don’t have to literally climb the tree just to get to the treehouse! Just bring a picnic along and make it a stunning memory atop a tree, complete with crazy views and delicious food!

4. Ride an underwater scooter – Bali Underwater Scooter

Have you ever seen or heard of an underwater scooter?!

Before we stumbled on this, we definitely hadn’t heard of this ourselves. It looks super fun and looks almost like your personal one-man submarine.

Imagine you and your friends all on your underwater scooters floating over the sea beds… Now wouldn’t that make an interesting photo for Instagram!

The underwater scooter is perfect for those who want a good scuba diving experience that’s not as demanding (read: no certification, experience, or troublesome gear attached required) as when you actually scuba dive.

All you need to do is sit, and you’ll be able to breathe comfortably in your personal ‘head bubble’ that thankfully provides very clear visibility and distortion-free views! The underwater scooter travels at up to 2km/hour, and it can go down to 20m depth so you’re able to access the shallow reefs!

And just like a standard motorbike, simply turn the handlebars to go where you want to go, and easily press the buttons for more speed or depth.

5. Adventure, underwater and water slides: Quicksilver cruise

Want to embark on an adventurous cruise?

With Quicksilver cruise, kids can cruise along the sea like a pirate, and they pay only half price! And what’s more, they will have lots of fun sliding down right into the sea on the 60-metre-long curvy waterslide!

The ship sets off in the morning from Benoa village. You will be served breakfast, and during the ride to Nusa Penida, you can ride on a banana boat or watch the underwater life through the windows – just like being in a submarine!

Photo via Stevenjai,_Ridwan.bsu_

The cruise makes stops for snorkelling and a guided tour of a local village. You will see the seaweed farm and a Balinese temple. And if that’s still not enough for you, you can pay for additional scuba diving, jet skiing, banana boat or fish feeding experience!

Reaching the springs involves a descent down narrow stairs against the wall of the ravine. After some 460 steps, the gorgeous sight of the cascades is both exhilarating and relieving.

Getting There: This waterfall is tricky to find – a lot of the locals don’t even know it. To visit Peguyangan, arrange a tour with a knowledgeable Penida tour operator, or hire a private driver on the island who knows how to reach this hidden paradise. Coordinate here

Note: Do note that you need to wear a sarong here. Bring your own or rent it onsite for Rp. 10,000 (approximately USD $0.66)

9. Nothing like a Secret Getaway at the Angel’s Billabong

The Angel’s Billabong is one of Nusa Penida’s secret getaways in the form of a marvelous natural infinity pool.

Photo via diannovianty

With its emerald hues and crystalline waters, the Angel’s Billabong is the epitome of stunning. And apparently, the green floors of this particular infinity pool are so comfortable to walk on (not slippery), it actually feels carpeted.

Photo via patbom

Imagine that! We sure wish we were lounging around at Angel’s Billabong this very moment.

PS: Do note that Angel’s Billabong can be dangerous. There have been people swept out to the ocean by waves rushing in!

Angel’s Billabong

Address: Banjar Sumpang, Desa Bunga Mekar, Nusa PenidaGetting There: It’s not too far from Pasih Uwug (the broken sea). A half-kilometre walk from Manta Point to a nearby reef, climb down one of the sides of the edgy coral walls to swim in this surreal pool.

10. Where waves meet the rock: Smoke beach (Pasih Andus)

Not far from Angel’s Billabong, a natural infinity pool in Nusa Penida, lies this awesome forgotten spot where you can watch a majestic natural phenomenon.

Photo via Viviey_vee

Pasih Andur (also known as the Smoke beach) is a place on the top of the cliff where the rock breaks the wave and jets the water into the air.

Photo via Gunawan_amd

Just watching the water burst into immense height pumps a bit of adrenaline into your veins and makes you realise how powerful the ocean can be.

Photo via Nastushamj

Linger there for a while, listen to the rumbling sound of the sea, and if you dare, take a picture with the huge waves behind you.

11. Nusa Penida’s sacred spot: Tembeling Beach, Nusa Penida

For the Balinese, Tembeling is a sacred place, used for rituals during the Keagamaan ceremony. In the forest, there are two hidden natural pools with water so clear that you can’t resist jumping into them.

Photo via Agushelly,Hafierjohannes

Legend has it that they were discovered by a pregnant woman who was chasing a cow. Later on, locals used it as a source of drinking water. Nowadays, it has become a place sought by travellers craving for a swim in this unique secret spot.

Photo via Ekaraden,Bohearth

But keep in mind that the big pool is for men and the small one for women only.

Photo via Ahmdzaen

Continue walking to the very end and you will come to a beautiful rocky beach. You may very likely find yourself completely alone there.

12. Dive, pray, love: Temple Point, Nusa Penida

It’s time to discover the beauties of the underwater world! And you don’t even need to be a scuba diver. Goggles with simple snorkelling equipment would be enough.

Book a snorkelling boat trip from Crystal Bay in Nusa Penida and meet the underwater Buddha, sitting there in peace and surrounded by statues.

Photo via Blackpo

Regardless of how real it may appear to be, the underwater temple is just an installation. The statues were put here as an art exhibition, an attraction for tourists and for conservation of the reefs. But you must admit – this is still an exciting attraction to visit!

Photo via Jessicahull91,Ririzmareta

Temple Point

Getting there: Via a boat from Crystal Bay, Nusa Penida

13. Fuzzy rolling green hills: Bukit Teletubbies on Nusa Penida

On most hidden islands, you may think that you can only find nature’s wonders along the shores. But did you know that the inland lush green landscape can be so photogenic too?

Photo via Cacatuahuns

A cluster of unusually shaped conical hills have been curiously bestowed (we’re not sure by who exactly) with the name Bukit Teletubbies.

Photo via Eric_suryadi

The name is a reference to the rounded green hills that were home to the fuzzy aliens from the children’s television program with the same name.

Photo via Dewiaminah,Patrishiela

The best time to visit Bukit Teletubbies is during or just after the rainy season, when the hills are a vivid green and most resemble the cutesy world of our gobbledegook-speaking space critters.

Bukit Teletubbies

Directions: Reach Nusa Penida on your own via boat services from Sanur or Padang Bai. Once on the island, you can hire a motorcycle to take you to Bukit Teletubbies. Ask for directions to the closest village, Julingan, in the far south of the island. Coordinate here

14. Banah Cliff, Nusa Penida

The Banah Cliffs of Nusa Penida rise mightily out of the whirling ocean and are perhaps the most dramatic coastal cliffs in Bali.

Hundreds of metres high and draped in lush green vegetation, they make an astonishing sight seen from the water. When you’re standing on top of them, they are even more imposing with no barrier between you and the abyssal drop below.

Photo via: nusapenida, Jalanjalanmen

Looking out from Banah Cliffs you’ll see an unusual rock formation – a pretty, tiny islet in the middle of nowhere, twisted into shape of an arch. Yet another mysteriously captivating wonder of Bali.

15. Challenge yourself: Mahana Point Cliff Jump

Daredevils, here’s your calling. Fancy jumping from a high cliff top into clear blue waters below, as the world around you spins and shifts?

Photo via: ggilvina, travel pirate

Mahana Point, a little bar located on a cliff top in Nusa Ceningan, gives its customers a chance to do exactly that.

If the sight of other brave jumpers have already got your blood racing, kudos to you! And if you’re not sure whether this is a good idea yet, you could always have a drink or two at the bar to boost your courage.

You can do it (or you could just sit back and watch the surfers ride the waves)!

Mahana Point Cliff Jump

How to go: Mahana Point is located at Jl. Raya Ceningan, Dusun Ceningan Kawan, Lembongan, Bali, Indonesia 80771. Coordinates: -8.7060534,115.4379677

Do you know of any other adventurous activities you can do in Nusa Islands? Do share them with us!

PLEASE NOTE: All the above information is correct at the date of publication. If you come across any changes or updates, please let us know and we will update the information accordingly. Thank you! Tell us

Kristýna had a passion for travelling as far as she can remember. No matter where she goes, she always tries to get to know each country as a local, not as a tourist.
When she's not creating new articles, you will most likely find her reading a book on a beach, sipping a coffee in some cozy cafe or practicing asanas in yoga studios. She loves to wander without any destination, enjoys getting lost and finding undiscovered places they don't write about in guidebooks. Because if you stop and look around, this planet is pretty amazing!